Keeping Track: A Guide to Managing Your Parents' Medications

Let’s talk about something super important but often overlooked: managing your aging parents’ medications. 

First, keeping an updated list of your parents’ medications can be a lifesaver. It helps prevent mix-ups and ensures that healthcare providers have the complete picture of what they’re taking. Plus, in emergencies, having this info readily available can make all the difference. Blood thinners? Blood pressure medications? Opioids? These and many others can significantly affect how a physician plans care. 

Let’s talk about why this is a big deal. 

The Significance of an Updated Medication List

Prevents Medication Errors: An updated medication list is a roadmap for healthcare providers, ensuring they have comprehensive information about the drugs your aging parent may be taking. This reduces the risk of prescribing medications that could interact negatively with existing ones, thereby preventing potentially harmful consequences.

Facilitates Emergency Situations: During emergencies, every second counts. Having a readily available medication list enables emergency responders or healthcare professionals to quickly understand the medications your parents are on, helping them make informed treatment decisions. A copy on their refrigerator and in their wallet for easy access is a good idea. And you should have a copy, too! 

Enhances Communication with Healthcare Providers: Having an updated mediation list during their next doctor appointment allows for better communication with healthcare providers during a doctor’s appointment. It enables them to make informed decisions about treatment plans, monitor medication effectiveness and adjust prescriptions as necessary. 

Empowers Family Caregivers: As a health advocate, having access to an updated medication list empowers you to provide better support to your aging parents. It allows you to assist them with medication management, recognize discrepancies or changes and advocate for their healthcare needs more effectively. 

I know life gets busy, but it’s a big deal.  

How to Maintain an Updated Medication List

Update Regularly: I know life gets busy, but trust me, it’s a big deal. After every doctor’s appointment or medication change, take the time to update the list promptly. Include details such as the name of the medication, dosage, frequency, and prescribing physician. 

Utilize Technology: Use medication management apps or digital tools to maintain and update the medication list electronically. These tools often provide reminders for medication schedules and facilitate easy sharing with healthcare providers. (See our social media posts this week for more resources on this).

Disposing of Expired Medications Safely

Ah, the dreaded expired meds cluttering up the cabinet. It happens to the best of us.

Check Expiration Dates: Regularly inspect your parents’ medications for expiration dates. Expired medications may lose potency or even become harmful over time, so it’s essential to remove them from their medication regimen. 

Follow Disposal Guidelines:  Dispose of expired or unused medications following recommended guidelines. Many pharmacies have expired or unused medication drop boxes that can be utilized even after pharmacy business hours. Some local government agencies offer medication disposal programs or instructions for safe disposal at home. Also, see if your community offers an “Expired Med Drop-Off” local event. 

Avoid Flushing:  In most cases, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or drain unless specifically instructed. Flushing certain medications can contaminate water sources and harm the environment. 

Managing your parent’s meds might seem overwhelming at times, but trust me, you’ve got this. You’re making a real difference in their health and well-being by staying organized, updating their list regularly, and safely getting rid of expired meds. So, here’s to keep track and caring for the ones who took care of us. 

Together...